The Southwest Shakespeare Company is bringing Pride@Prejudice to Mesa Arts Center, for a modern take on the classic story. Its Arizona premier will take place March 24 and run through April 8.
The play is based on the classic Jane Austen Novel and incorporates a 21st century spin with the internet, Google, smartphones, etc. playing a large role. Reimagined by Daniel Elihu Kramer, an associate professor of theater at Smith College in Massachusetts and producing artistic director at the Chester Theatre Company in the Berkshires, the play stars Alison Campbell as Elizabeth Bennet and Kyle Sorrell as Mr. Darcy.
Writing in the Berkshires Arts Almanac, Lesley Ann Beck said, “Die-hard Austen fans will not be disappointed; this new play includes all the twists and turns of her original storyline, and newcomers to the plot will easily follow the romantic adventures of the Bennet sisters, helped by the witty asides and notes on the book delivered throughout the play.” Beck continued, “The play includes plenty of Jane Austen’s original dialogue, as well as narration and comments inserted by the actors, sometimes staying in character, sometimes stepping out and addressing the audience. The play is well-paced and quite funny.”
“We are honored to put on the Arizona premier of this clever play that mashes up theater, classic romantic fiction, and the Internet,” said Southwest Shakespeare Company President Mary Way. “This is an imaginative shift of a 19th century novel into our times.”
For tickets and more information, visit: swshakespeare.org
